Tennis

Elena Rybakina emulates one impressive Serena Williams feat

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Elena Rybakina has become the first player since Serena Williams at the 2020 US Open to record four matches with at least 10 aces in the same tournament.

On Tuesday, Rybakina fired 10 aces in a 6-3 6-0 win over Martina Trevisan in the Miami Open round-of-16. 

Previously, Rybakina had 14 aces against Anna Kalinskaya in her Miami opener, recorded 12 aces against Paula Badosa in the third round, and also had 10 aces in a third-round win over Anna Kalinskaya.

The fast court conditions in Miami suit up well Rybakina’s big game and it is showing in the ace category. 

Rybakina on serving well in Miami 

“I’m trying to go more [for the serve], but I think here, after the bounce, the ball is a bit faster. That’s why I can get maybe more free points. But still, I would say that it’s kind of returnable, but yeah, a bit faster than in Indian Wells,” Rybakina said after beating Trevisan.

Meanwhile, Rybakina has been through to the Miami semifinal.

Earlier this month, Rybakina made it all the way in Indian Wells.

Now, Rybakina is just two wins away from completing the Sunshine Double.

In the Miami semifinal, Rybakina plays top-ranked American Jessica Pegula.

“For sure I don’t have any pressure. I know that it’s very difficult and not many players did it. Plus I was match point down the other match, so I really don’t think so far in the draw. I just need to focus match by match, and I have a tough opponent. Of course it would be amazing to achieve something like that, but it’s still far away,” Rybakina said.

Against Pegula, Rybakina has zero wins and two losses.

Last year, Pegula defeated Rybakina in the Miami third round and also beat the Kazakh in Guadalajara later in the year.

But Rybakina is now a much better player and she is the favorite against Pegula.

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